Northern Sound owner seeks to expand radio interests

The holding company that owns Shannonside/Northern Sound radio stations is seeking to expand further.

Radio Kerry Holdings has approved an offer to the shareholders of Clare Community Radio Holdings Ltd to purchase the entire share capital of the company, Clare FM. It has also made an offer for a controlling interest in Tipp FM.
In a statement from Northern Sound, it has confirmed that the Board of Clare FM is recommending acceptance of the offer to its shareholders. Both offers are subject to shareholder and regulatory approval in early 2019.

Liam O’Shea MD of Clare and Tipp FM said: “The counties share the same pride of place, love of sports, music and culture. The reality of the modern media environment is that in order to secure their business future I strongly believe that radio stations must consider shared costs and consolidation with other similar companies “.
Radio Kerry CEO Paul Byrne said: “The decision is being made to be proactively involved in the future development of the radio and media industry in Ireland and to create new opportunities.”
Shannonside Northern Sound received one of the first local radio station licences in Ireland in 1999. The station broadcasts to Longford, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.